Hi there
- Do the majority of players make a profit from playing online poker, or do most people simply enjoy playing and break even, or even lose money?
No, less than 10% of all online poker players are consistent(10K+ hands at least) winners. This number come from studies about 2 years ago. The number is probably even lower today due to generally higher rake/less cashback.
Even if you are in the middle you will still loose due to the rake. Being in the top 50% is far from enough. There is only money enough for the top 10%.
An important factor to any poker player is not too play on a too high limit.
This is some of my advices to new poker players (NL cashgame):
1) Read books:
The theory of Poker (Sklansky)
The Poker Mindset
Harrington tournament books (1-3)
Harrington cash-game books (1-3)
+ Several other of you own choice.
2) Find a group of other new players in same situation/limit and discuss hand history regulary to improve your game.
3) Use PokerTracker+AceHud or similar programs. After each session also look at you own play. Normally the 5 hands you lost most and also won most and think over if you played them well given the information you had.
4) Never ever bitch about bad beats and tell/mail/post about. This is a part of the game you have to embrace, this is where you money come from. (if you lost with quads or more, then it is a little interesting).
All of the above willl help making you a winning player. It is not that easy money. I found it a little easier 2-3 years ago, maybe that is due to the UEIGA.